This project will explore the development of quantitative models to describe the critical parameters that govern damage in drilling of laminated composites and will develop intelligent control strategies for machining of composites coupling these models. The delamination based drilling models will be validated by using instrumented tools and workpiece fixtures and applying acoustic emission techniques to detect the onset of this damage. An intelligent controller will be developed to learn key parameters in the process and select the optimal operating conditions for maintaining both a high production rate and superior quality of the finished workpiece. The project has a high potential to significantly impact machining of composites. If the delamination problem in composite machining is solved, the application of composites can be substantially widened.
